Port Kirkwall
Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is located in the north of Scotland and boasts a rich history. The city was founded in the 11th century and impresses with its imposing St. Magnus Cathedral from the 12th century. A mixture of Nordic and Scottish culture awaits you in Kirkwall. Discover historical sights such as the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palace, visit the Orkney Museum or enjoy a whisky at the Highland Park Distillery. The picturesque harbor town also offers charming stores and is an ideal starting point for excursions into the fascinating nature of the Orkneys.
| Country: | Orkney Islands, Great Britain |
| Language: | English |
| Currency: | British pound (GBP) |
| Time zone: | Europe/London, GMT |
| UNLOCODE: | GBKWL |
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Preise & Verfügbarkeit
Prüfe die Verfügbarkeit deiner Fährverbindung direkt bei der Reederei. Gib deine Reisedaten ein um die Fahrzeiten, die aktuellen Preise und die Verfügbarkeit der Fähren im Hafen von Kirkwall zu prüfen.
Karte der Fähren von und nach Kirkwall
Wir laden gerade die Karte der Fährverbindungen von und nach Kirkwall für dich.
Ferry connections from & to Kirkwall
Here you see an overview of all ferry routes which currently call at the port of Kirkwall:
| Route | Country of origin & country of destination | Number & Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Aberdeen – Kirkwall | Scotland, Great BritainOrkney Islands, Great Britain | up to 4 times a week 6 hours |
| Ferry Kirkwall – Lerwick | Orkney Islands, Great BritainShetland Islands, Great Britain | up to 4 times a week 7 hours 45 minutes |
| Ferry Aberdeen – Lerwick | Scotland, Great BritainShetland Islands, Great Britain | up to 7 times a week 12 hours 30 minutes |
Addresses & Arrival
To make your journey to Kirkwall easier, you will find all the important addresses in the ferry port of Kirkwall here.
Address ferry harbour Kirkwall
| Street: | Hatston Pier Road |
| Postcode & city: | KW15 1ZL Kirkwall |
| Country: | Orkney Islands, Great Britain |
| GPS: | 58.999127, -2.983514 |
Ferry terminals & other addresses
| Provider | Address |
|---|---|
| Northlink Ferries |
Northlink Ferries - Hatston Ferry Terminal Hatston Quay CW15 1RQ Kirkwall United Kingdom GPS: 58.999889, -2.974088 (Latitude, Longitude) |
| Parking lot |
Parking lot at the ferry port Hatston Pier Road KW15 1ZL Kirkwall United Kingdom GPS: 58.999097, -2.984035 (Latitude, Longitude) |
| Motorhome parking space |
Orkney Caravan Park at The Pickaquoy Centre Peerie Sea Loan KW15 1UH Kirkwall United Kingdom GPS: 58.984113, -2.972497 (Latitude, Longitude) |
| E-charging station |
Lidl Charging Station - 1x CHAdeMO 50kW, 1x CCS 50kW, 1x Type2 22kW 12 The Crafty KW15 1RJ Kirkwall United Kingdom GPS: 58.980198, -2.964306 (Latitude, Longitude) |
Travel information
Arrival by car
As you are already in Orkney, getting to Kirkwall ferry port (Hatston Pier Road) is relatively easy. The Orkney Islands have a well-developed road network that connects the most important places.
- From Kirkwall: Ferries north on the A960. After about 3 kilometers you will reach Hatston Pier.
- From other places on Mainland (the main island of Orkney): Use the A960, A961 or A965 to get to Kirkwall. Then follow the above instructions from Kirkwall to Hatston Pier.
Arrival by bus
Stagecoach operates the public bus service in Orkney. There is a bus service from Kirkwall that goes to Hatston Pier and coordinates with Ferries departures. The bus station in Kirkwall is located in the city center, about 2 kilometers from the ferry terminal.
If you are in another Orkney town, first take a bus to Kirkwall and then change to the bus to Hatston Pier.
Arrival by plane
The nearest airport is Kirkwall Airport, around 5.5 kilometers from Hatston Pier. After landing, you have the following options for getting to the ferry port:
- Cab: Taxis are available at the airport. The journey to Hatston Pier takes about 10 minutes.
- Bus: Stagecoach bus route 3 connects the airport with Kirkwall town center. From there you can take the bus to Hatston Pier.
- Rental car: There are rental car stations at the airport. A rental car will take you about 10 minutes to Hatston Pier.
Please note that the Kirkwall ferry terminal (Hatston Pier) is about 3 kilometers outside the city center of Kirkwall. Allow enough time for your journey, especially if you have to catch a Ferries.
Travel guide: Kirkwall – historic jewel in the heart of the Orkney Islands
Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, enchants visitors with its rich history and breathtaking scenery. The town is picturesquely situated on the north coast of the main island of Mainland and offers a fascinating mix of Nordic and Scottish culture. With its charming alleyways, historic buildings and the imposing St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall invites you to immerse yourself in the past while enjoying the vibrant present.
Places of interest & excursions
Kirkwall and its surroundings offer a variety of fascinating sights that bear witness to the rich history and culture of the Orkney Islands. Here are some of the most impressive attractions:
- St. Magnus Cathedral: This imposing 12th century cathedral is the heart of Kirkwall and an impressive example of Norman architecture.
- Bishop’s Palace: The ruins of this medieval palace next to the cathedral give an insight into the life of the bishops of Orkney.
- Earl’s Palace: This 17th century Renaissance castle bears witness to the turbulent history of the Orkney Islands.
- Orkney Museum: Here you can learn all about the fascinating history of the islands from the Stone Age to the present day.
- Ring of Brodgar: This impressive stone circle from the Neolithic period is located around 10 km west of Kirkwall and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Skara Brae: This well-preserved Neolithic settlement, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique insight into life 5000 years ago.
- Highland Park Distillery: Visit Scotland’s northernmost whisky distillery and learn more about the art of whisky making.
Activities
Kirkwall and the Orkney Islands offer a variety of activities for nature lovers, history buffs and adventurers:
- Birdwatching: The coasts of Mainland are a paradise for birdwatchers. Observe puffins, razorbills and many other seabirds in their natural environment.
- Boat tours: Discover the surrounding islands and the coastal landscape on a guided boat tour.
- Hiking: Explore the breathtaking landscape of the Orkney Islands on numerous hiking trails along the coast and over rolling hills.
- Whisky tasting: Visit local distilleries such as Highland Park or Scapa and taste the famous Orkney whisky.
- Archaeological tours: Discover the islands’ prehistoric sites such as Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar on guided tours.
History
The history of Kirkwall goes back a long way. The town was first mentioned as a market town in 1046. Construction of St. Magnus Cathedral, which still dominates the cityscape today, began in the 12th century. Kirkwall was under Norwegian rule for a long time until the Orkney Islands fell to Scotland in 1468. Over the centuries, Kirkwall developed into the most important administrative and commercial center of the Orkney Islands.
Eating, drinking and shopping
In Kirkwall you will find a variety of restaurants and pubs offering local specialties. Try fresh fish, seafood and the famous Orkney beef. The city is also known for its breweries and whisky distilleries. In the charming stores in the city center, especially in Albert Street and Bridge Street, you can buy local handicrafts, jewelry and traditional wool products.
Public transportation
Kirkwall has a good public bus system connecting the town with other parts of Mainland and major attractions. A free shuttle bus runs from the cruise port to the city center. There are special bus routes for excursions to popular destinations such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, tickets for which can be purchased at the tourist center or online.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation in Kirkwall and the surrounding area. From cozy bed & breakfasts and traditional inns to modern hotels, there is something for every taste and budget. Many of the accommodations offer breathtaking views of the coast or the surrounding landscape.